Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is one of Madagascar’s most popular bird-watching sites. More than 110 species are recorded here, including many endemics. The Andasibe section of the park, close to Andasibe village, is more accessible and its mid-altitude forest zone is a great birding hot spot. Here you can tick off some of the widespread Madagascar endemics, such as blue coua, nuthatch vanga and the Madagascar crested ibis, which is sometimes seen scurrying along forest paths. The primary forest of Mantadia is steeper and a bit more challenging to explore, but rare highlights include red-breasted coua and helmet vanga.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- Blue coua
- Brown emu-tail
- Collared nightjar
- Common sunbird-asity
- Crossley’s babbler
- Cryptic warbler
- Cuckoo roller
- Helmet vanga
- Madagascar blue pigeon
- Madagascar crested ibis
- Madagascar long-eared owl
- Madagascar nightjar
- Madagascar paradise flycatcher
- Madagascar scops owl
- Madagascar wood rail
- Nelicourvi weaver
- Nuthatch vanga
- Pitta-like ground roller
- Red-breasted coua
- Red-fronted coua
- Red-tailed vanga
- Rufous-headed ground roller
- Scaly ground roller
- Short-legged ground roller
- Tylas vanga
- Velvet asity
- White-headed vanga
- White-throated oxylabes
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching in Andasibe-Mantadia is good throughout the year, but the best time is from September to December. Many birds tend to be more silent and inactive in the dry cold season months of May to August. This is especially true for the sought-after ground rollers. Migratory birds are present in the wet summer months from November to April.